Tool support and carrier



March 22, 1949. w. SORENSON 2,465,290 V TOOL SUPPORT AND CARRIER Filed Nov. 17, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. W. L; 5' orenson HTTOR NE) March 22, 1949. w. 1. SORENSON 2,465,290

TOOL SUPPORT AND CARRIER Filed NOV. 17, 1944 2 Sh'ets-Sheet 2 4 INVENTOR. W. L Sore/won flTTOR/VEY Patented Mar. 22, 1949 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

This invention relates to means for releasably supporting and carrying tools of progressively different sizes and particularly for supporting and carrying a set or series of double-headed wrenches, that is, wrenches having fixed work engaging jaws in heads at the opposite ends of a handle forming shank, whereby the tools are held together in an orderly manner for purposes of shipping and handling and are readily supported in an elevated position for purposes of display and storage.

It is an object of the invention to provide means of this character which permits the tools to be readily assembled in stacked pyramidal formation and releasably retained in said position.

It is another object of the invention to provide means for this purpose which are easily and cheaply constructed and assembled.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a jaw engaging member of means for supporting and carrying a series of double-headed wrenches arranged as a gage for the jaws of said wrenches.

Another object of the invention is to provide means to support and carry a series of tools in stacked formation comprising a pair of members pivotally connected to each other by a post carried by one of said members and adapted to engage one end of the tools and retain said tools against longitudinal movement in one direction, and one of said members adapted to support the tools in stacked formation and the other member adapted to engage over the stacked tools and retain the tools on the first member against lateral movement and longitudinal movement in the opposite direction.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the detailed description of the invention.

In the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this application,

Figure 1 is a side view of a device constituting the embodiment of the invention and supporting and carrying a series of tools in stacked formation and showing said device supported in elevated position for the purpose of display or storage of said tools.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the device with the largest tool partly shown in dotted lines and part of a tool clamping member broken away to show the structure of a portion of a tool supporting member for releasably retaining the clamping member in clamping position.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 33 of Figure 2 looking in the direction of the arrows and showing the tool clamping member adjusted out of clamping position and a post for pivotally connecting the tool supporting and clamping members as an integral part of the tool supporting member.

Figure 4 is an end elevational view of the device looking at the bottom of Figure 2 with the tool clamping member in tool retaining position.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 with the tool clamping member adjusted to position to permit the tools to be assembled on or removed from the supporting member.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 2 of a modified form of tool support and carrier in which the post is an integral part of the tool clamping member and the tool supporting member is pivotally connected to the post. I

Figure '7 is an end elevational view of the support and carrier shown in Figure 6 looking at the bottom of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the support and carrier shown in Figure 6 looking at the right hand side of Figure 6 and showing in dash lines the clamping member adjusted to position to permit assembling or removal of the tools.

Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectionalview of a modified form of post carried by the tool supporting member and arranged as a gage for the jaws of double-headed wrenches.

Figure 10 is a plan view of the tool supporting member carrying the post shown in Figure 9 and said post shown in cross section in the present view with a jaw portion of an intermediate wrench of a series of wrenches engaged therewith.

Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the support and carrier with a series of wrenches retained thereon and the head portions of some of the wrenches broken away to show the structure of the post in section.

The embodiment of the invention comprises a plate conforming to the size and shape of a head portion of the largest size tool of a series or set of tools to engage said largest size tool and support the series of tools in pyramidal stacked formation and a member of channel shape in cross section pivotally connected to the plate to have movement toward and away from the plate to permit mounting of the series of tools on and removal of the series of tools from the plate and adapted to engage over the series of tools on the support and be releasably retained in said position. The plate and channel shaped memher are pivotally connected to each other by a.

post fixed to and projecting from either the plate or the channel shaped member. The device is particularly adapted for supporting and carrying a series of double-headed wrenches and when used for this purpose, the post may be arranged with a series of stepped portions, each portion having two pairs of opposed faces spaced different distances apart to provide a gage for the jaws of the opposite head portions of the wrench supported by said stepped portion.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, there i provided a plate havin a circular portion I2 of irregular shape conforming to a head it of the largest wrench of a series of progressively different size doubleheaded wrenches w, as shown in Figure 2, and a straight portion I3 extending from a circumferential section of the circular portion and of a width slightly greater than the width of a handle forming shank portion 8 of the largest size wrench to engage and support the portion of said shank adjacent to the head It supported by the circular portion. The circular portion I2 is illustrated as being arranged with a perpendicular edge section I4 formed by bending laterally the circumferential section of the circular portion I2, as shown in Figure 3, to engage the edge of the head it of the wrench engaged by the circular portion, but this edge section I4 is not necessary as pointed out hereinafter. The straight portion I3 of the plate is provided with a perpendicular edge section I5 which is a continuation of the perpendicular edge section I I should the circular portion I2 be provided with said edge section I4, and the edge section I5 at the free end thereof is of greater width and is bent transversely to substantial V shape in cross section, as shown at I6 in Figures 4 and 5, to provide opposed ear portions arranged with detents for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The circular plate portion I2 is provided with an integral post I! formed from the material of the plate portions I2 and I3 by severing along a transversely extending line I8, a pair of spaced lines I9 extending longitudinally from the opposite ends of the line I8, a pair of lines extending inwardly from the free ends of the lines I9 and a pair of parallelly spaced lines 2| extending from the free ends of the lines 20 in the plate portion I3 and then along a pair of lines 22 diverging from the lines 2| and a pair of lines 23 extending at right angles from the free ends of the lines 22 in the plate portion I2, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The material severed along said lines is bent along the material of the plate portion I2 extending between the free ends of the lines 23 to extend perpendicularly from the face of said plate portion I2, and marginal portions of the severed material extending between the lines 22, 23 and a line extended from the lines 2| to the free ends of the lines 23 are bent laterally to form reinforcing skirt portions 24. The end portion of the post formed by the lines I8, I9 and 28 is arranged with a transversely extending opening 25 for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The series of tools of different sizes, such as the double-headed wrenches w shown, are mounted on the plate I2, I3 in pyramidal stacked formation with the largest tool engaging the plate and the size of the tools progressively decreasing in an upward direction with one end of all the tools abutting the post I1, and as shown in Figure 2, the connecting portion of the jaw in one head of each double-headed wrench abuts said post, and

longitudinal movement of the tools in the direction of the post is limited by the post.

The series of tools are retained in this position on the plate I2, I3 by a clamping member of channel shape in cross section having a bottom or connecting portion 26 of slightly greater width than the width of the uppermost tool of the series of tools arranged with an end section 21 of reduced width projecting beyond side portions 28 of the channel shaped member and the extremity of said extending end section being engaged in the opening 25 in the post I! and curled about the upper end of the post to form a knuckle, as shown at 29, whereby the clamping member is pivotally mounted on the post. The side portions 28 of the clamping member extend from the connecting portion 26 is diverging directions relative to each other and in an oblique direction from the reduced end section 21 relative to the connecting portion, whereby said side portions will engage corresponding portions of the tools supported by the plate I2, I3, which in the present illustration of the invention will be the shank s adjacent to the head h, so that the leading edges of the side portions 28 will engage the edges of the head leading to the side edges of the shank and prevent longitudinal movement of the tools in a direction from the post I7. The pivotal mounting of the clamping member 26-48 permits the adjustment of said member from the plate, as shown in Figure 5, to permit the assembling of the tools on the plate I2, I3 and the removal of the tools from said plate, and after the tools are mounted on the plate the pivotal mounting permits adjustment of the clamping member to extend over the tools assembled on the plate and retain or clamp the tools to the plate. The clamping member is releasably retained in tool retaining position by a pair of yielding catches consisting of an outwardly extending groove 30 formed in the free end section of each side portion 28 of the clamping member by creasing the material of said side portions, and adapted to be engaged with the ear detents I6 of the plate portion I3. The plate I2, I3 and clamping member 26-29 are formed of resilient material, such as sheet metal, and the ear detents I6 and the grooves 30 will yield and permit the detents I6 to engage in the grooves 30 when the clamping member is adjusted to clamping position, as shown in Figure 4, and permit the grooves to be released from the detents when the clamping memberis adjusted out of clamping position, as shown in Figure 5. The post I1 and clamping member 26- 29 will hold the tools against movement in any direction and thereby eliminate the necessity 'of the edge portion I4.

The tool support and holder shown in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, is adapted to be suspended from an elevated position for the purpose of display or storage by providing an opening 3| in the plate portion I2 between the jaws of the heads h of the tools for the removable engagement of a projection, such as a hook 32, fixed in a vertical support, such as a wall 33 in Figure 1.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 6 to 8, inclurive, the clamping member is arranged with the post and the tool supporting plate is pivotally connected to the free end of the post. This is accomplished by providinga plate of the same construction and arrangement of parts as the plate shown in Figures 1 :to 5,'inelusive, and the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts, comprising a circular portion I2 arranged with a perpendicular edge section [4 and a straight portion l3 arranged with a perpendicular edge section l5 having ear detents 16. In the Figures 6-8 embodiment of the invention, the circular plate portion [2 is arranged with a pair of spaced ears 34 formed from the material of said plate portion by severing a center section of the material of said plate portion along a pair of parallelly spaced lines and a transverse line midway of the ends of said parallel lines and intersecting said lines to form a pair of adjacent severed portions and bending the severed portions at the juncture of said portions with the body of the plate portion which will leave an opening 35 in said plate portion,

as shown in Figures 6 and 8. The ears 34 are provided with alined openings for a purpose to be hereinafter described. The circular plate portion I2 is also arranged with an opening 31 for the removable engagement of the projection 32 to support the tool carrying device in elevated position.

The tool clamping member in the Figures 6-8 embodiment is also similar to the construction and arrangement of parts of the tool clamping member shown in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, and like parts are designated by like reference numerals, and comprises a connecting portion 26 having an end extending section 21 and side portions 28 arranged with grooves 30 for resilient engagement with the ear detents I6. The end extension 2! of the clamping member in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 6 to 8, inclusive, is of greater length than the extension 2'5 in the Figures 1-5 structure and the section of the extension 2'! in the Figures 6-8 structure forming the excessive or increased length is arranged with laterally extending sections 36 and said excess section is bent at a right angle to the extension to form a post 31 and the laterally extending sections 38 are bent at an obtuse angle to the bent section to reinforce said bent section or post 37. The free end section of the post 31 is bent laterally and the extremity thereof is curled into an eyelet or knuckle 38 for the engagement of a pin 39 extending through the alined openings in the ears 34, whereby the clamping member is pivotally connected to the tool supporting plate and has movement toward and away from saidplate.

Figures 9 to 11, inclusive, show a modified form of post attached to or carried by the tool supporting plate 12-46 wherein the post is arranged as a gage for the jaws in the opposite heads of a series of double-headed wrenches. The tool supporting plate in this embodiment of the invention is of the same size, shape and arrangement of parts as the plate shown in Figures 1 to 9, inclusive, with the exception that the material of the circular portion [2 is not severed in any manner and like reference numerals designate like parts of the plate in all of the figures. The clamping member 2629 in the Figures 9-11 embodiment is the same as that shown in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive. The post is of conical shape and shown at Ml as being of hollow construction, but it may be of solid construction without departing from the invention, and in the apex of the post there is formed a slot or recess for the mounting of a pin M of sheet form having an elongated opening 42 therein for the pivotal engagement of the curled portion or knuckle 29 of the clamping member 26-29, as shown in Figures 9 and 11, and provide pivotal adjustment of said clamping member toward and away from the plate l2l6. The post is fixedly mounted on the circular plate portion [2 by pins or screws engaged in a series of openings in said plate portion alined with a corresponding series of recesses in the base of the post, as shown at 43 in Figure 9. The outer surface of the 'post is arranged with a vertical series of stepped portions 44 adapted to engage and support a head it at one end of the wrenches w. There are shown in the present illustration seven stepped portions to adapt the post for supporting a series of eight wrenches, the Wrench of largest dimensions being supported by the plate portion [2 with the jaws of said largest wrench engaging opposite portions of the post depending from the lowermost stepped portion, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The side or rise portion of each stepped portion and the side portion depending from the lowermost stepped portion are arranged with two pairs of opposed faces 45, 46 extending at ninety degree angles to each other and approximately sixteen degrees to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the plate portion 12, so that the faces 45 will engage the jaws of the head h supported by the adjoining stepped portion 44, as shown in Figure 10. The pairs of faces 45, 46 of each stepped portion 44 are spaced different distances apart, so that one pair of faces 35 is snugly engaged by the jaws of one head of a wrench and the other pair of faces 46 is snugly engaged by the jaws of the opposite head of said wrench. In the present instance, the faces 45 are spaced a less distance apart than the faces 416, so that the heads of the wrenches supported by the plate l2, 13 are arranged with jaws spaced apart a lesser distance than the jaws of the opposite heads not supported by the plate I2, It. The faces 45, 46 are utilized as gages for the jaws of the opposite heads h of the wrenches.

w and the horizontal faces of the stepped portions 44 are arranged with reference numerals adjacent to one or both faces of the pairs of faces 45, 46 indicating the distance between said faces and the size of jaws snugly fitting said pair of jaws. The pair of faces 45 will also retain the wrenches engaged thereon against longitudinal and lateral movements.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a support and carrier for a series of tools, a member arranged for the engagement of an end portion of an end tool of the series'of tools to support the series of tools in stack formation, a second member of channel shape in cross section having the connecting portion adapted to extend over a shank portion of the opposite end tool of the series of tools and the side portions extend transversely of the sides of all the tools to retain the tools on the first member against longitudinal movement in one direction and lateral movement, and means to pivotally connect the members to each other and form an abutment for the end portions of the tools engaged by the members to retain said tools against longitudinal movement in the opposite direction, and the members having integral portions resiliently engaging each other when the members are moved toward each other and releasably retaining the second member in tool retaining position.

2. In asupport and carrier for a series of tools, a plate arranged to support a series of tools in stack formation and having a post extending from a face thereof to engage an end of the tools supported by the plate, a member of channel shape in cross section pivotally mounted on the post to have movement toward and away from the plate to permit stacking of a series of tools on the plate and in engagement with the post and clamping of the stacked tools on 7 the plate. by the channel shaped member, and means arranged: integral with t-heplate and channel shaped: member and adapted to releasably retain the-channel shaped member. in tool clamping position.

3. In asupport. and carrier for a series;of.tools, a. plate adapted to, supportv a. series, of toolsin stack-formation. andhaving; apost extending from a. face.- thereof to engage, in an end, of the, tools supported in stacked; formation by the plate and a. pair; of; opposed ears. on. the plate,. and. a channel shaped member; pivotally mounted on the free end or they post, and the. free; end sections of. the side; portions: of said member arranged. to releasably engage the-ears, on the plate and. retain. the channel shaped member intool enclosing; position and clamping; the tools to; the

plate.

4.. In asupport andcarrier for a series, oidouhie-headed.- wrenches, a plate, a post fixed atone end to the plate and extending from a face: of said plate and arranged witha series ofstepped portions for the engagement and support of the jaws in a head of. each Wrench of the. series of wrenches, and, a channel shaped member pivotally mountedon the free end of the post to have movement; toward and away from the plate and, clamp the series. of wrenches to the plate and. engagement with the stepped portions of the post, and the plate and channel shaped member arranged with portions, to releasably engage each other and retain the channel shaped member in wrench clamping position.

5. A support and carrier for a. series of double-headed wrenches as claimed in claim 4, wherein each stepped portion of the post. is arrangedwith twodifferent cross sectional dimensions extending at. a. right. angle to. each other to provide two. pairs of diametrically opposed gaging, faces at each stepped portion, each. pair of. faces adapted tov fit the jaws in the, opposite heads. of a wrenchv supported by said stepped portion.

6. A support and carrier for a series. of. double-headed wrenches as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plate is arranged witha circular portion and a straight portion, andthe post. is fixed to the. circular portion of. the plate and the straight. portion .of the plate extendszf-romtha citcular' portion in alinement: with the post. the circular portion of the platev corresponding, to the size and shape of ahead of the: lowermost wrench of theseries of wrenches. engaged on the post: and the. width of the. straight: portion corresponding to the, widthv oi the shank. portion of said; lowermost wrench.

7-. In a. support and carrier for a series; of. tools, a plate corresponding to the. shape. of onaend of. the tools to be supported. thereby in stack formation, a. channel shaped member having, a post. extending laterally from one; end of the connection portion and in the, direction. of the side; portions of the. channel shaped member and, the. free; end. of the, post. pivotally connected to. the plate. to provide pivotal movement, of the channel shaped member toward and. away from the, plate, to permit positioning of aseries: of tools on the plate and adjustment. of' the. channel shaped member to position the, connecting, portion relative to the uppermost tool and the side portions. relative to the. opposite sides. of all the tools and clamp the series of tools tolthe. plate, and. means to releasably retain the channel shaped member in tool clamping position.

8. A support and carrier for a series of tools as claimed. in claim. 7,.wherein the releasably retaining means comprises a. pair of opposed ear portions extending from one face of the plate, and the. free end sections of the side portions of the channel shaped member arranged to resiliently engagethe ear portions.

WENDELL L. SORENSON;

REFERENCES CITED The. following references: are of record inthe file of this. patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date:

1,237,776 Hackett- Aug. 21, 1917 1,690,479 Devlin. ,Nov. 6, 1928 1,696,444 Miller et al. .Dec. 25, 1928 1,900;915- Costello Mar. 1.4, 1933 1,967,458 Vallone July 24,1934 2,068,308. Zerver Jam 19, 1937 2,181,764 Murray Nov... 28, 1939 

